Rebecca

I took these photos of Rebecca, Geni and Kell's daughter, a few months ago and I love them. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

San Antonio

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When my parents were here last month we went to San Antonio to the riverwalk and met up with the Simons. Here are some shots from that adventure. And Josh actually snapped these two cute ones of Ben: Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

California Sessions | The Riddles | Austin Family Photographer

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This was my last session in California and it was in the beautiful beach town of San Clemente. Kristianne and Jim are adventurers of the old school. They have sailed all over the place and lived on their boat for months at a time. They have an amazing house in the hills and it has a view to die for as well as two beautiful children to fill it. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

California Sessions | The Maizlands | Austin Family Photographer

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Sarah found me throught the fabulous Katie Scott . I had the pleasure of meeting Katie and her wonderful husband Ryan in Southern California last year. So I was very excited to meet Sarah and her family when I was in California a few weeks ago. And they did not disappoint. Sarah, her husband Will and their two beautiful children met me at their favorite park and we played and played and played. And if this is not enough for you, you can see some bonus ones here. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

Headshots | Austin Portrait Photographer

The other night we had our PUG meeting at Dustin Meyer's studio. It is situated in such a beautiful spot. We took some headshots of other photographers, which is always fun since we all hate having our pictures taken. My favorite shot is the last one of Kristen laughing.The fabulous and beautiful Kristen Brown Roedner: Dave McLaughlin and the lovely Ava: The oh so nice Thao Tran: Beautiful Huyen: Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

Spontaneous

Ben came running into my office after his bath and the light on his face was amazing, so I bribed him to let me take his photo. His price was to be able to type his name on the computer. I think he could have driven a harder bargain. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

California Sessions | Sweet Baby Olivia | Austin Newborn Photographer

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While I was shooting in California I once again had the pleasure of photographing Gretchen's family. This time there was a new addition. Her name is Olivia and she is a beauty (as you can see here). And no photoshoot is complete on Florence Avenue without big brother Julian and the canine member of the family, Hannah. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

Just Another Wednesday

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I don't really understand the whole bluebonnet madness here in Texas, but while we were out walking this morning I figured, "When in Rome..." and I pulled out my camera. You can really only see them in the second shot though. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

California Sessions | Amy and Chris | Austin Family Photographer

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Amy was one of my first "mom" friends in Berkeley and she has been such a rock. She is one of the people I can tell the 'real' story to and she never flinches and usually she is right there alongside me. I photographed her, her girlfriend Chris, Will (one of Ben's closest friends) and their newest addition Phoebe. Amy didn't want to have her picture taken at all, but she was a good sport when I insisted. Hopefully ten years from now she will be happy she relented. Here are some of my favorite shots from the day. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

A Visit with the Ballards

This blog was started as a personal one a few months after Ben was born. It was meant to be a creative outlet for me. After photographing professionally in earnest for awhile, I toyed with the idea of starting a separate blog for photography. I know many photographers do this. I struggled with the concept of keeping professional and personal separate and I finally came to the conclusion that although I aspire to be someone with strict boundaries, I just am not. I post more personal images than most photographers I know and I certainly bare more of my self here. I hope some day to put this blog into some sort of book for the boys and as a result I leave nothing out. So once again here are some more shots from my personal life. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

California Sessions | Miss Morton et Famille | Austin Portrait Photographer

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Rebecca and her two beautiful children, Eli and Scarlett, came down to Amy's studio for a little mini session while I was in Northern California. And we had such a great time. Her children are so sweet and fun. The first two I snapped before the session started in earnest. I love the way Scarlett and Sam are eyeing each other. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

The Curious Case of Mr. Menuez

A few days ago my friend and fellow photographer Rebecca sent me a link to a photojournalist's blog. It is written by Doug Menuez, who is not only an amazing photographer, but a thoughtful and wonderful writer as well. I am now hooked and thought I would share this wonderful spot on the internet. Two of his recent posts I especially enjoyed. The first is an article about film vs. digital. Here is my favorite line from the article:"With film, not only might the exposure be off, but the processing is fraught with peril. Even if you process yourself mistakes can happen, it's chemistry for Christ's sake--and even the best labs have the rare but deadly disasters. Just protecting the film from the shoot to the lab is sometimes a minefield of stress and worry. Try getting a hand check at Heathrow security sometime. The rolls of film are like uncut diamonds, objects that simply cannot be replaced. You sweat, you bleed, you age until it's safe." I do believe digital can make you lazy, but I do not think it is 'easier'. I just think it is different. It is nothing special. It is one technique among many. Do I think digital photogs could learn something from film and darkroom techniques? Definitely. Is it a necessity? No. Good pictures are good pictures. It is all about how you use the box with a hole. Today I read a piece that was more emotional in scope. It is called Life Happens, Alert the Media and is about his personal struggles about balancing the challenges of work and family. I especially love this part: "The truth that I've learned to live with and embrace is this: how my son turns out is way more important than any picture I produce. His impact on his world, the world he grows into, his friends or future family, is my only real legacy." As a portrait photographer I do not face these exact challenges per se, but this piece was so moving to me. I document so much of my young boys' lives and sometimes when they fall or cry I shoot first, help later. And I wonder who this cold person is behind the camera, the one who cares more about capturing the moment than living in it. Check out his blog. He is the real deal. And thanks Rebecca for hooking me up.

Leilani

I don't really know why, but I love this shot of Leilani I took a few weeks ago. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

California Sessions | Family Tree | Austin Family Photographer

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I had the good fortune to once again photograph Frances England and her beautiful family. The first time I photographed them a couple of years ago, Liam, their eldest son, was terribly shy. But boy has he changed. He was on fire and playing it up for the camera big time. It was wonderful to see him so extroverted. And dad John was helping me out big time by getting the kids to laugh, which is why I especially love the shot of he and Liam in clown hats. And the one of little Rowan and Frances with their hands under their chins will forever make me smile. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.

California Sessions | The Barnett Family | Austin Family Photographer

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I had such a great time with the Barnetts. I met them at their fabulous house in Mill Valley (which you can see in the last shot) and we went up Mount Tam to a clearing that they love. It was so beautiful there. I always took its beauty for granted growing up there and I was totally wowed on this trip. They brought along some great props--things that are especially meaningful for them at this time in their lives. It made it a bit of a time capsule shoot, which I loved. And mom Amy had some great ideas, which was no surprise since she runs an amazing online gift shop called Violet. If you have never been there you should check it out. The thing I loved the most about this family is how close they all seemed to each other. I hope it shows in these photos. Bonnie Berry is an Austin, Texas child, family and wedding photographer.